If you are in the market for dental insurance, you may be curious about how it works. Dental insurance plans are straightforward, and you can make an informed decision when selecting the right plan for your dental needs. When you enroll in a dental plan, you enter into an agreement: you pay monthly premiums plus any copays and deductibles. In turn, the insurance company pays your dentist for covered services at an agreed-upon reimbursement level. To determine whether or not Desert Bloom Dentistry accepts your dental insurance, call us at (928) 428-1617. We proudly serve Safford and the surrounding area.
When choosing dental insurance, many people want the plan to include their current dentist. Most carriers provide an online directory of in-network providers. To check if your dentist participates, visit the insurer’s website and search by practice name or ZIP code. If your dentist is out-of-network, you can either switch carriers or select a new in-network provider.
Dental plans vary in coverage, premiums, and deductibles. To choose wisely, consider: • Find Plans in Your Area: Narrow your search to carriers serving your state and city; not all insurers operate nationwide. • Look for a Large Network: A plan with many dentists indicates strong financial standing and prompt claim reimbursements. • Compare Costs: Evaluate monthly premiums, annual deductibles, copays, and an annual maximum (cap) per person. Once you’ve reached that cap, you pay 100% of additional costs. Most plans cover preventive care (exams, cleanings) at 100%, basic procedures (fillings, simple extractions) at around 70%, and major procedures (crowns, bridges, root canals) at 50%. Note that some insurers classify procedures differently, so verify exact coverage and any waiting periods before booking treatment.
Buying dental insurance depends on how much work you need and how many family members you cover. Generally, more procedures and more dependents increase plan value. Most employer-sponsored or association plans follow a schedule: preventive care at 100% with no deductible, basic care at 70%, and major care at 50%. Like health insurance, dental plans have an annual deductible and an annual maximum. Once you meet the deductible, the insurer begins sharing costs (according to the percentage schedule) until you hit the plan’s annual cap. Any additional costs above that cap are your responsibility.
Dental coverage isn’t one size fits all. Individual plans cover a single person and usually have lower premiums. Family plans cover multiple members—often spouses and children—and have higher premiums but spread costs across more people. Family plans typically allow two preventive visits per person each year. Choose a plan that balances coverage needs and budget.
With so many options, select a plan that matches your needs and budget. If your employer offers coverage, start there. Otherwise: • Ask your dentist which plans they accept. • Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, annual maximums, and coverage percentages. • Note any waiting periods before major procedures become covered. • Verify in-network provider lists and ensure there’s more than one convenient office nearby.